Web enhancement with jQuery

Posted on | September 6, 2010 | No Comments



Got a neat new website that still needs a bit more visual finesse to make it really pop? But are still concerned about accessibility and the looks of the site for people not running Javascript?

Well then, jQuery could well be the answer to your problems.

What is jQuery?

jQuery is a lightweight and robust Javascript library which can seamlessly be added in to just about any website. You can either download it, or use one of the versions hosted by websites such as Google.

It provides an additional layer of control over your site, with advanced tools and functions which are simple to add to your site, and can achieve powerful visual effects. You can dynamically create pop up boxes, drop down menus, or even just change the css class of a page element.

Better still, it operates on the principle of ‘progressive enhancement’ – meaning that the site works normally for people without Javascript, but with additional features for those with it.

Here are just a few samples of what we have done with jQuery:

  • Animated and static drop down menus which work on multiple web browsers.
  • Pop up ‘lightbox’ image galleries allowing the user to browse images without needing to click on every one.
  • Pop up log in and contact forms which leave your customers on the page they were viewing.
  • Changing banners and panels configured by an XML file or a CMS back end.
  • Search assistants which display keywords to aide users performing searches on the website.
  • Dynamic product categories which allow the user to change sort orders without needing to reload the page.
  • Powerful image zooming allowing the user fine control over which area they want a close up of.

What does this mean to me?

If there is a graphical effect you want adding to the site, or an interactive animation, in most cases it can be added using lightweight jQuery. As standard it includes functions for growing and shrinking areas, fading boxes in or out, and much more.

Why not give Deepblue a call and see how we can increase the appear of your site with jQuery?

Category: Web design best practices

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